The Denes
The Denes is made up of six green spaces forming a long thin park in Darlington.
It follows the course of the Cocker Beck and provides a wide range areas for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
It is host to a wide range of wildlife, including kingfishers, otters and bats.
Sheddy Dene - see if you can find the stepping stones and play bridges
Bowling Dene - a bowling green and bowling green pavilion
Footie Dene - a lovely flat green space, ideal for games of football
Paddly Dene - a haven for wildlife
Play Dene - A toddler and junior play area with a zip wire and play bridge
Tennis Dene - free tennis and basketball courts for everyone to use
The Friends of the Denes was set up in 2006. Their aim is to show the best side of the Denes so it is used by more local residents. To volunteer email [email protected]
Friends of the Denes on Facebook [external link].
History of the Denes
In the 1860s the Pease family developed two lavish estates in the countryside to the north-west of Darlington: Pierremont and Brinkburn.
At the heart of their pleasure gardens was the Cocker Beck Valley, with paths laid out across its course.
The estates were broken up at the start of the 20th Century and terraces of houses now cover most of the land.
But the valley was too deep to build on and so it was saved, first as allotments during the First World War. It then became a public park, which opened on September 4 1925.
For more information about The Denes, contact the ranger on 01325 406719.